The Transition Year Programme is a compulsory year between Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. All students entering Transition Year and their parents/guardians must complete a contract of learning.
To promote the personal, social, educational and vocational development of pupils and to prepare them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society. This is achieved through all elements of the TY Programme. Students are encouraged to try new activities and subjects, make new friends, give of themselves to family, community and the school and to be active and get involved.
Transition Year students study the core subjects as well as a variety of optional and modular subjects. Students are given a valuable opportunity to engage in a wide variety of interesting and diverse subjects during the year. For example, cuisine, music appreciation, environmental studies, drama, photography, debating and self defence.
A number of workshops take place throughout the year, including, digital film school, song school, personal development, gospel singing, first aid, road safety etc. The students are encouraged to share their own talents in peer led workshops. A variety of day trips and overnight tours also take place during the year.
The work experience programme is one of the main elements of TY, in which, students prepare for and complete two weeks of work experience.
The TY Social Justice programme incorporates a variety of speakers on social issues, charity fundraisers and two weeks of community care placements. Further links are created with the wider community through the ‘Fast Friends’ and paired reading programmes in the Central Remedial Clinic, the ‘Silver Surfers’ programme with Age Action Ireland and through GAA coaching in local primary schools.
All students are given the opportunity to participate in the GAISCE programme with most students receiving the bronze award at the end of TY. Participants must engage in community work, physical activity, learning a personal skill and a venture journey.
A full scale musical is put on by the TY students every year and this is one of the highlights of the year for many.